Stand With Me — B.K. Smith

High Creek, Texas was a small town in the deep south where time had moved as slow as molasses and beer flowed like a raging river.

The community was reeling from a tragic shooting that left a swath of destruction of pain in its path at the annual Cook-Off. Luckily, the quick response of both law enforcement and brave townsfolk mitigated a greater loss of life. Following the shooting, the town dealt with a great immigration of media and additional law enforcement as well as outpouring of support from the rest of the country.

Now, enough time has passed that the town could get back into its daily routine of life as blue-collar workers filled the streets every morning and ranchers toiled away on their land. The school year had begun again and the High School football team was gearing up for the start of season.

Senior Titus Keller and his group of hell-raising friends were back in the creeks and fields of High Creek, fishing and hunting when they could with the typical infusion of bonfires and barn parties. As Titus gets back into the swing of a normal relationship with Alexis, he begins to enjoy the steady, slow life of a small-town teen once again.

Texas State Trooper Ryan Hightower has enjoyed the little downtime he's had since the massive shooting investigation and is now back to work as the newly promoted Sergeant, putting him in charge of the local DPS office. His troubled girlfriend Echo is still adjusting to being in a steady relationship with Ryan, having a long history of troubled boyfriends and terrible decisions. With a lot on his plate, Ryan begins to realize he's going to need help balancing the safety of the town and the health of his relationship.

After the senseless violence that had plagued the town, both Titus and Ryan leaned on each other even more than before. With their friendship and the help of their shared pals, they begin to get used to the everyday workings of High Creek. Unfortunately, tragic events will once again plague the town and force the townsfolk to reach down deep inside themselves for the strength to pull through.

In High Creek, all you need is a good neighbor and a trusty gun. Luckily, both are easy to come by in Texas. All that's left is facing the unimaginable. Together.